Who doesn’t love playing with new products. Have you seen the new Jane Davenport collection at the Lulu Art Store? I couldn’t help myself and had to buy some of the range to play with.

I was just so excited to have a play, I used one of my old drawings from when I use to create timber cutouts. This cat and mouse is one I created some years ago for my paper towel holder. I just scaled it to size on my computer, printed it and traced onto Jane’s watercolor paper insert for the traveler’s journal.

I had lots of fun playing and hope you get a chance to play along with me. Why not go and make a coffee, sit back and watch my creative video which I put together to share my processes.

It is my time again to share with you my video which takes you through my process for the creating the below journal page.

I had lots of fun playing with all the beautiful Art Supplies that I have. Sometimes it can be difficult to spare some precious time for yourself as there is always something that needs your attention but remember you are just as important and deserve some art time.

It is time to bust open those paints and brushes, pour yourself a cup of coffee and join me in creating a journal page.

I hope you have enjoyed watching and would love to see what you to create.

Today it is my pleasure to introduce the next Lulu Art Design Team Member for 2017.

Introducing Anne Cahill from Must Love Paint. Anne is known for her stunning folk art style. You’ll see what I mean. She was also part of the Lulu Art Design Team of 2013 and if I remember correctly, she created the first ever free tutorial for Lulu Art. You can view it here at Catching Stars.

I asked Anne to tell me about herself and asked her a few questions over a virtual coffee.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

I have owned a folk art and decorative painting studio in Hervey Bay where I taught numerous classes each week. I really enjoyed teaching classes and met the most amazing people. I have also been fortunate enough to be published numerous times in Handmade and Folk Art and Decorative painting magazines. Back then I was creating mainly decorative timber pieces which progressed into canvases and then journaling. All of which has taken a back seat as our Electrical and Data Contracting business continued to grow and I was needed to help run and organised the staff of which today we have a team of 15 so there is lots to co-ordinate. Not the industry I ever imagined myself in but have found the past 20 years very rewarding. On the weekends you can find me in my art room, it is bright and airy and it is a place I retreat to.

How/when did you get interested in art?

I have always been interested in arts and crafts for as long as I can remember, something my parents had always encouraged. I became interested in painting when my daughter and mother bought a cow head cookie jar from the flee market for my Mother’s Day gift. We later went back to the stall and there I saw a beautiful teddy bear and I just wanted to learn how to paint one myself. From there my love of painting and drawing began and my other crafts have taken a back seat.

Can you remember one of the first things you drew/painted?

Teddy Bears, I adore drawing and painting them, I have a few stuffed ones which I keep tucked away in art room who are only too happy to pose for a painting or two.

What’s your favourite piece of work that you have created?

That is one tough question, my house if full of canvases and timber pieces I have created over the years. They are all precious to me and remind me of my painting journey.

Do you have a favourite artist?

Current artists in the style of which I enjoy today, would be Jane Davenport, Tamara Laporte and Jamie Dougherty, all are equally my favourite and I have taken classes with them.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

Connecting and sharing with other like-minded people who get excited about a simple tube of paint or the latest coloured pencils.

Do you like to have music playing while you create and if so, what kind of music do you listen to that inspires you?

We live on an acre block near the beach, on a still day you can hear the waves crash on the beach and there are many birds that sing through day so I prefer to sit and listen to natures music. It helps me clear my mind of my busy work day.

What is your favourite thing that you often include in your work?

My work can be varied but currently I am enjoying drawing faces, and the colour blue often pops in.

What are you doing when you’re not creating?

Besides work, I enjoy cooking, camping and watching movies.

What are your favourite products to use?

My favourite medium would be acrylic paint, I have a variety of brands but love the matt ones most of all. Recently I have started to enjoy incorporating colour pencils on top of the paint. I find the process of adding the shades and highlight with pencils rather relaxing.

Do you have any tips or inspiring words to share?

Creating is so rewarding, it need not be expensive to get started as you will be amazed at what you have already have that you can use. But beware…….once you start you will be addicted for life and the friendships that are out there waiting to connect with you are endless.